About the trip
Travel facts
The race
Programme
Tour leaders
HotelsAntarctica Marathon® & Half Marathon
Do you have what it takes to become one of the few people in the world to have run a marathon on all seven continents? Antarctica, the last and most inaccessible continent, offers a running experience like no other – a journey to the world’s most remote and spectacular landscapes where ice, wind and untouched nature create an arena that few ever get the chance to experience.
Join the Antarctica Marathon® 2027 – Voyage Two, an exclusive expedition where you will not only have the chance to run on the seventh continent, but also experience Antarctica up close during an unforgettable journey. Start in Buenos Aires, sail through the mighty Drake Strait and land on King George Island to complete one of the world’s most extreme running challenges.
The race is as much a physical feat as an adventure. The course’s dirt roads are lined with icebergs and penguins, and you’ll feel the history of the first explorers to set foot here. After the finish, we’ll celebrate on board our expedition ship before heading off to explore Antarctica’s mighty glaciers, fjords and unique wildlife.
This is a running experience like no other – and a chance to complete your Seven Continents Club® challenge in one of the planet’s most legendary places. Are you ready to set foot and your running shoes on the world’s seventh continent?
ANTARCTICA MARATHON® & HALF MARATHON
The trip is organised in cooperation with Marathon Tours & Travel, USA. The trip usually includes runners from about 20 countries, so it is a very international experience. All tour management, guiding and lectures are in English.
Marathon Tours & Travel has been offering the Antarctica Marathon®️ & Half-Marathon since its inception in 1995 and the event is very professional and well organised.
The journey to Antarctica starts with three nights in Buenos Aires, where you will have the opportunity to meet other participants, discover the vibrant city and attend the mandatory race briefing and a joint welcome dinner. We then fly to Ushuaia, at the southernmost tip of Argentina. From there, your journey to Antarctica begins on board the Ocean Victory. Over several days, you’ll sail through the Beagle Channel, across Drake Strait, through the Shetland Islands and on to King George Island – where the races take place.
During the voyage, you will explore one of the most pristine places on the planet, and encounter the splendour of Antarctica in the form of glaciers, icebergs, penguins, seals and whales. On board the ship, you’ll hear lectures from historians and scientists, and take part in landings to visit seal colonies, penguin colonies, research stations and more.
The race on King George Island runs on marked dirt roads connecting research bases from Uruguay, Chile, China and Russia. Great care is taken not to leave any environmental footprint in this sensitive ecosystem. For this reason, a maximum of 100 people are allowed to stay on land at the same time during the event. Marathon Tours & Travel takes its responsibility very seriously and has so far raised over $600,000 for Oceanites – a non-profit research organisation that monitors the effects of climate change and the impact of tourism on Antarctica.
Travel facts
About the race
Start times: Two start groups (approximately 07:00 and 12:30)
Course: The race will start and probably finish about 200 metres from Bellingshausen, the Russian base. The final course will be measured and prepared the day before the race. Activities at the bases, road conditions and/or weather may affect the course.
The aim is to include all four bases in the area – China, Chile, Russia and Uruguay – allowing for a three-lap course for the marathon. The course runs entirely on dirt roads, which can often be muddy. The exact course changes every year depending on base operations, weather and road conditions.
All runners must be self-sufficient and cannot count on access to indoor facilities during the race.
Environmental commitment:
The track on King George Island connects the research stations from Uruguay, Chile, China and Russia via marked dirt roads. Great care is taken not to leave any environmental footprint on this sensitive ecosystem.
For this reason, a maximum of 100 people are allowed ashore at any one time during the event.
Marathon Tours & Travel takes its responsibility very seriously and has raised over $600,000 to date for Oceanites – a non-profit scientific organisation that monitors the impact of climate change and tourism on Antarctica.
Charitable purposes:
Every year Marathon Tours & Travel offers runners the opportunity to sponsor an official Antarctica kilometre mark Marathon®️ or Half Marathon. All proceeds go to Oceanites.
As a thank you, the sponsor gets to keep their personalised kilometre marker after the race – a unique souvenir!
For over 30 years, Oceanites has been researching the impact of climate change and tourism on Antarctica, and collecting important data on wildlife.
In addition, a charity auction will be held on board during the voyage with all proceeds going to Oceanites.
Temperature:
The average temperature during the race is -9°C to +1°C, but wind chill can lower the experience by another 5-10°C. Heavy snowfall is rare, but light snow showers are common.
Maximum times for the course:
- Marathon: Max 6 hours and 30 minutes
- You must have passed the half marathon within 3 hours and 10 minutes
- Half marathon: Max 4 hours and 30 minutes
Officials have the right to remove participants from the race if fatigue, hypothermia or dehydration is considered a danger.
Number plate & check-in:
Check-in and mandatory race briefing takes place at the welcome dinner in Buenos Aires. The briefing focuses in particular on environmental rules for the event.
Shoes:
You do not need any special shoes. Trail running shoes are recommended, preferably water-resistant.
Bring two pairs of shoes as it can be wet and muddy.
Lightweight racing flats are not recommended.
NOTE! Walking sticks or other aids are not allowed in any of the races.
Age limits:
- All marathon participants must be 18 years of age or older on race day.
- No age limit applies for the half marathon.
Prizes & Awards:
- The top three women and men in both races are recognised.
- In the marathon, the top two in each age category are recognised:
- Under 40 years
- 40-49 years
- 50-59 years
- 60-69 years
- 70 years and older
- Everyone who completes the race receives a finisher certificate and medal.
Difficulty level:
Very challenging.
Entry fee: SEK 2500 regardless of distance.
Good to know
Antarctica Marathon – Packing list and good to know
Please note:
All guests are allowed to take only one (1) piece of hand luggage of maximum 8kg and one (1) piece of checked-in luggage of maximum 22kg on the chartered flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
As it is summer weather in Buenos Aires, the clothes used in Buenos Aires can be left in a bag at the hotel when we return to the same hotel.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES (MARCH)
- Buenos Aires, Argentina: 20-30 °C
- Ushuaia, Argentina: 7-16 °C
- Antarctica: -8 to +2 °C
CLOTHING CODE
- Clothing throughout the journey is casual and comfortable.
- More festive occasions: We recommend dressing up for the welcome dinner in Buenos Aires and for the closing cocktail (smart casual/business casual).
- TIP: Keep a warm and waterproof jacket handy in Ushuaia – temperatures are significantly lower than in Buenos Aires.
- The stock-on-stock principle:
- Base layer: Wicks away moisture and keeps the body warm
- Midlayer: Insulates and preserves body heat
- Outer layer: Protects against water and wind while remaining breathable
-
- TIP: No need to bring a winter jacket – a parka is provided on board!
CLOTHING
Provided on board:
- Insulated parka with waterproof outer – yours to keep
- Sturdy rubber boots – to borrow during the cruise (ideal for landings).
Please note: You do not need to bring a winter jacket. The parka that everyone receives is excellent. For all landings, you must use the boots provided by the ship, which means that your own boots or winter shoes are not needed.
We recommend that you pack:
Bearings – Upper body
- Moisture wicking base layer
- Medium-weight insulating fleece layer and/or down jacket
- Waterproof shell/outer layer with hood
Stock – Lower body
- Thermal trousers/base layers
- Medium-weight trousers
- Waterproof trousers (e.g. rain or ski trousers)
Other
- Swimsuit – for Polar Plunge, jacuzzi etc.
- Fingerprints
- Outer gloves or mittens (large enough to wear finger mittens underneath)
- Moisture wicking sock layer
- Outer socks (e.g. wool)
- Special running socks for race day
- Thermal cap
- Scarf / buff / balaclava / face mask
SHOES
- Off-road/trail running shoes (race only)
- Waterproof or water-repellent
- Running shoes (if conditions for the race are dry which is unlikely)
- Studs (unless your shoes have studs).
NOTE: Only proper shoes may be worn on board the ship. No sandals.
OTHER
- Eye protection
- Sunglasses with high UV protection
- Running glasses (especially if you wear lenses)
- Sun cream and lip balm with SPF
- Life jacket or water belt for the race
- GU bottle – Energy supplements must not have paper packaging; use reusable bottle
- Neoprene gloves (for kayaking, if you have your own).
- Waterproof backpack for excursions
- Backpack (30L recommended for race day) for camera, mobile phone etc.
- Binoculars
- Camera, extra batteries and memory cards
TRAVEL ADAPTER & ELECTRICITY
- Argentina:
- Type C and Type I sockets
- 220V / 50Hz – Check your appliances. 110V requires adapter.
- Ocean Victory:
- Type F sockets in public areas
- International A-13 sockets in cabins and bathrooms (compatible with most plugs)
SEAJUKA
- Bring seasickness medication (plasters, tablets, etc.) as advised by a doctor.
- The ship sells a limited amount of seasickness tablets – we recommend that you bring your own.
DOCUMENTS & MEANS OF PAYMENT
- Valid passport
- Credit card
- Cash (USD) – Recommended in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20) for taxis etc.
- NOTE: Tips for the expedition team are paid in cash. Recommended level: $15/day, i.e. $150 for 10 days.
INTERNET AND TELEPHONE
- It is expensive to call from Buenos Aires and also from the ship (if possible). It is best to try to call when you have wifi at the hotel in Buenos Aires.
- The ship offers internet packages that are relatively expensive and work very unevenly. Having the ambition to work where internet connection is required will create irritation. It is therefore best to leave work at home.
Above is our recommended packing list. Of course, customise according to your personal needs and preferences.
Programme
Programme (Example). Please note that this itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on weather conditions, flight schedules or other circumstances deemed necessary by the organisers for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Friday 19 March
- Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and transfer to Alvear Icon Hotel.
- An optional light training session is offered in the late afternoon
- The evening is free to explore the city’s famous restaurants, which are a short walk from the hotel
Saturday 20 March
- After breakfast, a half-day city tour is offered to introduce participants to the vibrant capital of Argentina
- In the evening, a cocktail reception will be held, followed by a welcome dinner and mandatory competition check-in/briefing at the hotel. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Sunday 21 March
- The day is free to explore more of Buenos Aires or consider taking the ferry across to Uruguay
- The evening is free to explore some of the city’s famous restaurants in the Puerto Madero area. (Breakfast included)
Monday 22 March
- Transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world
- Opportunity to explore the town with its many shops and restaurants, before boarding the ship in the afternoon for departure to Antarctica
- After settling into the cabins, a welcome reception and safety briefing is held on board. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Tuesday 23 March
- The day is spent sailing through the Beagle Channel and across the Drake Strait
- Lectures and films introduce participants to Antarctic wildlife, climate and history. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday 24 March
- Continued sailing across the Drake Strait with continued lectures and films about Antarctica
- On arrival at King George Island in the afternoon, the race organisation goes ashore to prepare the course for the next day. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday 25 March
- Competition day!
- The course is prepared with flags and distance markers
- After the race, a party and celebration is held on board the ship. The ship sails south overnight towards the Antarctic Peninsula. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Friday 26 March
- We wake up to panoramic views of glaciers, mountains and pristine bays and channels
- The destination is Paradise Bay, one of the most beautiful places on earth
- In sunny weather, a barbecue and prize-giving ceremony on the aft deck
- Zodiac boats will take participants ashore for a visit to the abandoned Argentine base, where you can climb a hill for a great view of the area. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday 27 March
- The day is dedicated to exploring
- The hope is to be in the fjords near the Lemaire Channel, where humpback whales search for krill. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Sunday 28 March
- Continued exploration of the fjords near Lemaire Channel and its rich wildlife. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Monday 29 March
- The morning is devoted to further exploration before departing the “White Continent” in the afternoon for the return journey across the Drake Strait. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Tuesday 30 March
- The day is spent at sea during the return journey. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Wednesday 31 March
- Continued sailing until sighted ashore at Cape Horn, Chile, approaching the return port of Ushuaia. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Thursday 1 April
- Arrival in Ushuaia at around 08:00
- Disembarkation and check-in for return flight to Buenos Aires where we arrive late afternoon/early evening and then transfer to Alvear Icon Hotel. (Breakfast included before disembarking the ship)
Friday 2 April
- The day is left free for own activities before in the evening we take our transfer to the airport for the flight home to Scandinavia. (Breakfast included)
- It is recommended to book one or more nights in Buenos Aires before travelling home to rest up after the trip. (Breakfast included)
Program
Our tour leaders
Inga instruktörer har tilldelats denna resa.
Our hotels
Alvear Icon Hotel
Aime Paine 1130, Puerto Madero, C1107 Buenos Aires, Argentina Alvear Icon Hotel is an exclusive 5-star hotel located in the modern and elegant neighbourhood of Puerto Madero, one of the most sought-after areas of Buenos Aires. Located next to the Río de la Plata, it is close to the city’s historic centre, parks and attractions …
Ocean Victory
Ocean Victory Ocean Victory is a new ship as of November 2021 and has established itself as one of the most modern small cruise ships on the market. Perfectly adapted for smaller scale expeditions, this elegant vessel is dedicated to varied voyages in the Antarctic region. With a total of 92 comfortable cabins, all with …
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